Grand Canyon National Park staff are asking visitors to be careful during theri visit. On Tuesday, a visitor fell 500 feet to their death from Mather point after climbing over a railing there/NPS file photo
It's summer, you're in a national park, what's to worry about? Well, quite a lot, actually, if you're not careful. At Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, staff are hoping visitors have a great time, but asking that they take a few precautions to ensure they have a wonderful vacation. They do that in the wake of a visitor who fell 500 feet to their death on Tuesday.
* Stay on designated trails and walkways and always keep a safe distance from the edge of the rim. In areas where there is a railing or fence, do not climb over the barrier.
* Keep an eye on all of the people in your group, especially small children. Make sure that your travel companions have both feet firmly planted on pavement or developed trails at all times.
* Know where the edge is. Watch foot placement and look for trip hazards. Do not run, jump, or perform physical stunts when near the rim.
* Know the altitude, the South Rim sits at 7,000 feet and the North Rim sits at just over 8,000 feet. Individuals coming from sea level or with health conditions should take time to acclimate to the elevation. Drink plenty of fluids, rest frequently, and do not overexert yourself.
* Check the weather! Monsoon season is quickly approaching and afternoon lightning and heavy rain become daily occurrences. Remember, when it roars go indoors.
* Stay a safe distance away from wild animals. A good rule is two bus lengths or if you can cover an animal with your thumb. Remember, do not feed or water wildlife.
Each year, Grand Canyon visitors suffer from slips, trips, and falls that can result in serious injury or even death. On Tuesday, rangers responded to reports of a visitor who had climbed over a railing at Mather Point, lost footing, and fell approximately 500 feet. The fall was fatal. At this time, an investigation is under way and no further information is available.
Grand Canyon National Park expects increased visitation through the weekend. Plan to arrive early and pack your patience. Parking lots can fill as early as 10 a.m. Prior to arriving at the park you can purchase a 7-day pass on your mobile device by visiting www.yourpassnow.com and selecting Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors are also encouraged to use the free shuttle bus system including the option to park in the gateway town of Tusayan and ride into the South Rim Village.
Comments
My family and I were there in March and watched a little kid about 8 yrs old venture beyond the barrier onto a rock to "play" as his "older" sis, who couldn't have been more than 10 herself, "supervised." Where were the parents?? Several other onlookers yelled for him to come back several times and he complied but I'm amazed that parents would leave a playful child unsupervised in any environment, let alone one where a simple slip could be deadly.
Everyone enjoys different things in life, with some being a little riskier than others. They have their rights too, and if they choose to do some things that others would never think of doing, I have no problem with that. They are enjoying life, making memories and living life One Day at a time! We only come through once, and like some, I love to dance like no one is watching! There is no dress rehearsal for this journey we are on!
While I get that our litigious society has made guard rails, fences,warning signs and labels a necessity, I for one think we would be better off without most of them. Do you really need a sign to tell you not to walk to close to the edge of a cliff? And yes, some want to be able to flirt with danger which we all have a different perspective on. Quite frankly I think often times it's the overabundance of these warnings that contribute to people ignoring them.
Folks like Phil is recommending - wanting to experience life with just a few more risks - are the people who put the climbing rangers and the EMTs and fire departments at risk themselves. "Let the kids play" [out of sight in a dangerous area], or "Hold my beer and watch this...". It just kinda frosts my bippie when the living have to sweep up after the dead risk takers.
Maybe the NPS should start publishing color photos of the results of stupidity. It ain't pretty.
But then there'd probably be complaints because somebody's appetite was spoiled before dinner.
As a foreign visitor to China in the mid-80s (when they were still opening up to the West) I wandered through some residential neighborhoods. They tended to have big notice boards where newspapers were posted for people to read without buying one and there were want-ads. They typically had graphic, gruesome images of people who had been in bicycle collisions with cars as a warning to be careful.
After visiting the park last summer, I understand how one is so mesmerized by the beauty as to be taken in without regard to one's safety, but...common sense must take over. I have a fear of heights, but I was able to stand at edge of designated areas to wonder over what I was seeing. What I Don't understand is a parent telling their child to step out just a bit further off trail at Mather point...terrifying, and unbelievable. They Don't stop to think about losing footing, let alone thinking about the condition or stability below the surface they are standing on.
We were at Mather Pt just before this accident happened. We heard the sirens and helicopters as we were walking down the path away from the area. I feel terrible for anyone who had to witness this tragedy and for the family of the foolish person who climbed over the fence. Subsequently as we visited other vistas we were amazed at how many people were recklessly standing on the edge of the cliffs. The most disturbing scene was when I looked over and saw 2 young children playing on an outcropping near a 3000 foot drop while the parents were preoccupied taking photos when the the mother suddenly noticed where the children were and told the dad to get them. He then stopped and posed with the children for a photo on the edge of the cliff!!!!!!!!! As much as we enjoyed the scenery on our first visit to the GC the reckless and foolhardy antics of some of the visitors has diminished our experience to this beautiful National Park to the point that it will most likely be our last visit. In contrast , Bryce Canyon has it right. All visitas and lookouts were very well fenced and we did not witness any stupidity and recklessness.